<p>To the OP…I saw another thread of yours a few minutes ago, and will try to sort out what’s a bit of a complex subject in this regard since it sounds like the stakes may be high here for your son.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>To participate in a high level music performance program, eg. BMus, such as either UMich SOMTD or Steinhardt, you are NOT allowed to minor. </p></li>
<li><p>To pursue music at a high level music school in tandem with another program is sometimes achievable via a dual degree and 5 years. Eg. at Umich, some will dual degree in performance and Eng. - tough road, but achievable. However, it’s exceedingly rare to double major PLUS minor PLUS have much time available for performance activities. I think eventually something has to go.</p></li>
<li><p>But he does not NEED to major or even minor to keep developing his musical talent, especially since he’s a contemporary artist. He <em>should</em> have access to vocal lessons at both UMich’s SOM and NYU Steinhardt. It will be for fewer or elective credit, is all.</p></li>
<li><p>BOTH schools offer advantages for students with talent in contemporary music. At Umich, there is a performing arts tech program at the SOM that deals in myriad aspects of music engineering, programming, multimedia etc. including composition. However, it is a specialized sequence of courses, BFA, by portfolio only and admits about 4 kids a year. While he would not have direct access (unless he applied and was admitted) however, he might enjoy the music business class or joining some of the more accessible classes.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>At NYU, Tisch (not Steinhardt) has a contemporary music program for performer/producer/songwriters called Clive Davis. My son choose UMich, so I don’t know a lot about accessing those classes, but presume there might be some level of access.</p>
<p>If your son loves music, might I ask why he isn’t considering a professional music degree with a programming element, or a dual degree between CS and Music comp, which would render him highly employable in ent/game/video industries? Those skills are every bit as transferable – in some cases moreso – that a dabbling of multiple other majors or otherwise hedging one’s bets.</p>